Today we’d like to introduce you to Renee Anderson.
Hi Renee, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Coincidentally, today is the fourth anniversary of my last hospitalization for Schizophrenia.
Hello, my name is Renee Anderson and I am a travel blogger with a focus on small business, experiences, and nature in Oregon. My mission is to speak publicly about my journey to overcome mental health struggles by sharing my talents with the world: photography, writing, and my love and knowledge of Oregon.
I was diagnosed with Schizoaffective disorder after a series of debilitating episodes. I went from normal stay-at-home mom to needing full-time supervision over two years. I had no idea what was going on as my mind was filled with hallucinations. I was sober at the time and was just approaching the age of 33. I decided to enter a dual diagnosis rehab and get help with my mind. I completed a 30-day residential program that included 40 hours a week of behavioral education and healthy coping skills, alongside one on one sessions with a team of counselors. While I was not fully healed at that time, I came out with skills that would help me start my life in a new direction.
My counselor told me to start my blog again and use my talents to connect with the world. I opened Wild Oregon Girl on the plane (I had closed all social media during my psychosis) and began sharing my stories of Oregon. It was during the pandemic and many people were looking to connect to nature and each other. I had a reel go viral and many people saw my page and stories and decided to stick around to journey with me.
I have been able to incorporate my healing journey into my travels around Oregon – connecting small businesses along the way. I never foresaw the magnitude of speaking my truth or what it would open up for me. I have been able to speak on mental health, women’s health, unity, and inclusiveness through my platform. I have helped rescue others from the stigma of Schizophrenia and show them the life that is possible through support, education, and inspiration.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have been many bumps on the road – particularly 30 days after flying home from rehab. My husband burst three vertebrae in his back and was nearly paralyzed.
His road to recovery was the first test of the skills I had received. Three months after that I broke both my arms in a bike accident. That was the day Covid shut down the schools. We had a 5th grader at the time, so we had many of the same challenges through the pandemic that others had.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a creator – I grew up as a performer – I studied theater, dance, and music. I played the Saxophone and was on stage a lot. I was a competitive speaker and slam poet. After I became a mom, I shifted more to painting and art shows. I mostly painted Pacific Northwest Landscapes and Pop art.
When my child entered grade school in 2014, I started my blog Wild Oregon Girl. I would research one historically significant hike per week, photograph it and then write a post. I wrote 54 hikes in one year and began to apply for writing grants. I took my posts to Instagram in a shorter format. I shut that all down when I had my mental health crisis.
I spent several years just doodling my thoughts in journals, afraid to share my art with anyone. Then I got help – and opened the floodgates of creative work again. I’ve had nothing but great returns since that day, both personally and professionally.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Perseverance and consistency are led by compassion.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wildoregongirl.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/wildoregongirl
Image Credits
Tambi Lane Photo
